Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
UN says Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective' A United Nations panel of experts accused several member states, including Turkey and Russia, of fueling the Libyan conflict. Libya
Saudis expect little from next US leader As the regional security situation deteriorates around them, the Saudis are not optimistic about either candidate for the US presidency, with Hillary Clinton likely to continue current policies and Donald Trump a frightening wild card. Saudi Arabia
Yemeni conflict goes back to square one Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Houthi rebels and their allies continue to engage in divisive efforts rather than attempting to end their conflict. Legacy: Gulf
Is Israel planning all-out war on Hamas? There has been a lot of talk lately about Israel launching one last war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to annihilate the group, and Hamas is preparing for this possibility. Palestine
North Sinai students face extremes to reach their dreams As school resumes, dedicated students in volatile North Sinai have more to worry about than homework. Egypt
Why are Turks disposing of $1 bills? The discovery of $1 bills on Turkish soldiers involved in the July 15 putsch suggest the greenback has been used as a secret code of communication. Turkey
Is Turkey abandoning NATO or vice versa? Some Turks view NATO’s aloofness regarding the coup attempt as a sign it is fatigued by Turkey's continual crises. Turkey
Kurds concerned about Baghdad's increasing military prowess Kurdish officials have been raising their concerns about a possible Shiite threat after IS is completely annihilated in their areas, as Baghdad, which backs those Shiite forces participating in the battle against IS, has been receiving advanced weapons from the United States. Iraq
How the new government plans to save Tunisia Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has tapped Nidaa Tunis leader Youssef Chahed to form a unity government that will focus on terrorism, corruption and Tunisia's deteriorating economy. Tunisia
What are Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units doing in Beirut? A leader of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) talks to Al-Monitor about talks held in Beirut Aug. 8-11, behind the scenes and away from the media spotlights, between a Western diplomatic delegation and 12 people representing the leadership of the PMU. Iraq
Sunnis eye their piece of Iraq pie Representatives of various Sunni groups are trying to lay the groundwork for an independent Sunni region, but efforts may be complicated by the presence of powerful Shiite forces on the ground. Iraq
How Yemen plans to dry up Houthis' funding Yemen is making major changes in its fiscal operations, hoping to get back revenue sources it says are being hijacked by Houthi rebels. Yemen
Did Gulenists sabotage Ankara’s Kurdish peace process? Long-standing allegations of Gulenists meddling in efforts to settle Turkey’s Kurdish problem appear to have gained more credence after the failed July 15 coup attempt. Turkey
